Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionOrganisers of ADIPEC 2026 confirmed that the upcoming Abu Dhabi energy conference will feature its largest-ever Asian participation, including 353 Asian companies. Major Chinese firms, including Sinopec, CNPC, CNOOC, CATL, and Envision Energy, are confirmed to participate.
Chinese state-owned LNG importers are holding discussions to secure alternative supplies that bypass the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz amid shipping disruptions. Kpler data indicates China's September 2026 LNG imports fell 8% year-on-year to 5.3 million tons as spot prices reached $26 per mmBtu. Chinese buyers are not seeking to cancel existing long-term contracts with Qatar, but are capping further transit exposure.
A report by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye shows Chinese exports to the UAE reached $72.9 billion in 2025 as trade routes shifted away from the US. Between 2024 and 2025, China's exports grew 9.7% to the Middle East, 25.9% to Africa, and 8.6% to the EU. DEIK Chair Nail Olpak highlighted expanding trade channels and rising global market competition.
A report by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) reveals that China is actively redirecting trade flows toward alternative regions, including the Middle East, following additional US tariffs. The analysis identified the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Germany as key target markets for expanding Chinese exports. DEIK Chairman Nail Olpak noted that while these shifts create regional logistics and trade opportunities, they also intensify competition for local exporters.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has announced phased compliance deadlines for its mandatory e-invoicing system based on annual revenue thresholds. Businesses earning AED 50 million or more must implement the system by January 1, 2027, while those below the threshold have until July 1, 2027. Entities are required to engage accredited service providers ahead of their respective operational deadlines.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
Iraqi Airways announced it will resume scheduled flights between Najaf and Iranian cities in October following an emergency US sanctions waiver. Services had previously been halted after private ground-handling operators refused to handle Iranian flights to avoid US financial penalties.
The UAE permits eligible visitors to extend tourist and visit visas without leaving the country, subject to specific regulatory caps. Tourist visa holders can extend their stay up to a cumulative 120 days, while visas for family visits, job hunting, or business exploration are capped at 180 days. Extensions must be submitted through sponsors, and visitors who overstay without an extension incur a Dh50 daily penalty with no automatic grace period.
A report cited by Zawya indicates that the global minimum tax framework is significantly reshaping how companies are bought and sold in the UAE. The shifts directly affect transaction structures, corporate valuations, and dealmaking strategies for businesses operating in the country. The findings underscore the deepening influence of international tax rules on cross-border investments.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
A batch of ZEEKR 9X vehicles departed Fuzhou Port on September 22 bound for the UAE, marking the automaker's first large-scale export of the flagship SUV to the Emirates. The model has gathered over 700 UAE orders amid expanding overseas operations for the Chinese brand. Shipments through Fuzhou Port's Jiangyin Port Area have surged 28-fold year-on-year in 2026.
China's flagship port project at Gwadar in Pakistan is facing severe operational and commercial hurdles under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Major international shipping lines continue to bypass the deep-sea port in favor of established regional hubs like Dubai and Salalah due to insufficient cargo volume. Mounting security concerns, extreme terrain along transport links, and local infrastructure deficits have further restricted commercial activity.
Twenty alumni and fellows from the UAE's National Experts Program will mentor young Emiratis participating in the UAE Youth Ambassadors Program in China and Japan. The ten-month initiative aims to transfer leadership expertise and develop cross-cultural projects supporting national priorities. The mentors represent specialized sectors including energy, technology, logistics, health, and public policy.
A report by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) reveals that Chinese exporters are accelerating diversification away from the United States, targeting alternative destinations including the UAE. China's exports to the Middle East grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025 as its share of exports to the U.S. fell. This redirection of trade routes is increasing competitive pressure on regional suppliers operating in shared markets.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Energy & Sustainability
At Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, energy leaders discussed how supply diversification, high prices, and security risks are transforming the global LNG sector. The conference highlighted rising Asian demand, Middle Eastern supply capacities, and diverging views on Middle East geopolitical disruptions. Substantial new liquefaction capacity is anticipated from Qatar and the United States in the coming years.
Technology & Digital Economy
The UAE Minister of Justice has officially launched the Guiding Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Law Firms at the 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi. The initiative outlines ten core principles requiring strict human oversight, confidentiality, and non-delegable professional accountability. The framework is designed to provide a practical reference for legal practices adopting advanced technologies across the country.
Real Estate & Construction
The Ajman Department of Municipality and Planning has launched a pilot initiative to regulate building classifications, bachelor accommodation, and shared housing across the emirate. The initial phase applies to five priority districts: Al Nuaimiya, Al Rashidiya, Al Nakheel, Liwara, and Al Rumaila. Municipal officials presented the new housing guidelines and application procedures to local property companies during a dedicated workshop.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Keeta UAE, the food delivery platform established by Chinese technology group Meituan, completed its first full year of operations across the Emirates on September 29, 2026. General Manager Lucas Xie stated that the platform achieved nationwide coverage across all seven emirates within twelve months. The company adapted proprietary dispatch and routing technologies developed in China to suit local logistics conditions.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Flight cancellation / route change
Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf International Airport
Flight cancellation / route change
Iran overland border crossings and regional flight routes
Flight cancellation / route change
Algiers - Doha route
Official travel advisory
Ben Gurion Airport / Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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